When growing Buddha Belly Bamboo it is commonly believed that if the specimen is kept in a pot and underwatered then it will be more likely to produce new canes that exhibit the buddha effect. The buddha effect is characterized by a growth pattern with swollen internodes, as shown below. When Buddha Belly Bamboo exhibits the buddha effect it does not grow very fast or very tall, perhaps obtaining a 7' typical height and a 12' - 15' feet maximum height. When this bamboo grows without swollen internodes it is a large timber bamboo and can produce canes that are about 55' tall and 2.25" in diameter. In the timber form, the canes have a characteristic zig-zag kink in their growth pattern. Both variegated and green Buddha Belly Bamboos produce dense high quality wood.

Many people like to keep this kind of plant as either an indoor or outdoor container plant. If kept indoors, find a location that gets a lot of direct sunlight.

Notes:

Exhibit caution wtih small specimens of these plants in the winter. This kind of bamboo is hearty for our local low temperatures, but only once established. Very small plants of this kind should be taken inside for the winter and given several hours of direct sunlight per day. If you are ready to plant outside then get a #5 or larger pot. If you want to watch your plant in a small pot on the windowsill for a winter or two, then get a #1 sized pot.